And although you may want to cut costs, your stream may suffer if you dont get it right.

Below we will provide you with all the basic information to help get you up to speed.

Soft light or hard light?

Lighting for Streaming

There are two different light sources you gotta be aware of; soft light and hard light.

What is soft light?

Although it is still bright, this spread of lighting is much more even.

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It best resembles being outside on a cloudy day.

What is hard light?

Hard light is the opposite.

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This punch in of light is considered a point light source that can be strongly focused towards a spot.

Hard light will create strong shadows behind a subject, and instead resembles being outside on a sunny day.

The larger the angle, the softer the light source.

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source:wikipedia

What light to use for streaming?

Soft light is the best key in of lighting for streaming.

Professional products that create soft light are;soft boxes,ring lightsorLED panels.

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How are they different?

Soft boxesare often larger in size and use bulbs instead of LEDs.

They create diffused light by bouncing light of a second surface known as an umbrella reflector.

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The umbrella reflector is enclosed around the bulb and lined with a metallic fabric surface.

Ring lightsare narrow in depth, and usually use LEDs.

The circular ring-like shape allows you to position your camera in the center so that its facing towards you.

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The color temperature is also controllable on some devices.

LED panelsconsist of multiple LEDs spread over a large surface area.

They work in a very similar way to ring lights but often have removable diffuser color filters.

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Whats better a soft box a ring light?

Choosing between them will mostly depend on how much room you have in your studio.

A soft box does have some other advantages that might come in useful for your needs.

JS Julius Studio 20 x 28 Inch Soft Box Lighting Kit, 800W Output Softbox Light for Video Camera Photography, Photo Studio, Photo Lighting Diffuser, TEMJSAG487

Soft boxes do also have their own disadvantages.

No one wants to be melting away when theyre live streaming on camera!

(The Neewer soft box below does also have an option to come with LED bulbs).

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Overall, If you have the space, we suggest you go with a soft box.

If not, then go for the ring lights or LED panels.

What is the best light for streaming?

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The kit includes an adjustable aluminum frame that is fully adjustable and can lock into place.

The simple set-up design means youll be up and running in just a few minutes!

They are also included in the kit.

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once you nail this pack, your lighting problems are virtually solved.

Its a great investment for any streamer who is looking to grow.

The outer shell contains 240 individual LEDs.

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Not only will they create an even spread of natural lighting, but also produce astonishing brightness.

Do I need a soft box or ring light for streaming?

If you dont have any at home, you may want to invest in these:

1.

Elgato Key Light: Introduction and Overview

The Elgato Key Light

The Elgato Key Lightis an LED lamp that has been built specifically for streaming.

The color temperature range is also fully adjustable.

All adjustments to the lighting brightness or temperature can be made on hand via the smartphone controlled center app.

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Click herefor the best Elgato Key light alternatives.

The dimmable 5600k light panel has more than enough power needed to light up small to medium size setups.

It is 180 degree adjustable making it easy to find a suitable shooting angle.

Three point lighting for streaming

How do I get good lighting for streaming?

The Three point lighting technique is the standard method used for lighting up a subject.

It involves using three main lights; the key light, fill light and a back light.

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Key light

This is the primary light source.

It is the most direct and has the strongest influence on the scene.

Fill light

This is the secondary light source.

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Its job is to cancel out the shadows created by the key light.

Back lighting

you’re free to use a back light to light the subject from behind.

The back light is often placed higher than the subject and at an angle.

lighting a green screen for streaming

How to set up 3 point lighting for streaming?

Ideally you would have a third light for the background too.

How do I light a green screen for streaming?

Stream Lighting 101: Lighting Yourself, Greenscreen, and Background

A perfect spread of even lighting is key for an effective green screen.

Then, enclose the camera with an additional ring light from the front to light the subject.

This method should remove any shadows from your background and the streamer.